salt pork

So named because it is salt-cured, this is a layer of fat (usually with some streaks of lean) that is cut from the pig's belly and sides. Salt pork is often confused with fatback, which is unsalted. It varies in degree of saltiness and often must be blanched to extract excess salt before being used. It's similar to bacon but much fattier and unsmoked. Salt pork can be refrigerated tightly wrapped for up to a month. It's used primarily as a flavoring and is an important ingredient in many dishes throughout New England and the South.

With all the salt talk going on, we sometimes forget that the type of salt we use matters. In 1924 the government fortified salt with the mineral iodine for our health and well-being. Today iodized salt is being examined by the Japanese to possibly help protect against thyroid cancer as a result of recent radiation exposure. Here’s what you need to know about iodized salt.

Salt doesn’t need to be an enemy. When you cook at home, a dash from your own shaker can really boost a dish, and if you’re mindful, you don’t have to go entirely without. Learn more about sea salt, kosher salt, iodized salt and regular table salt.

Because doctors don’t routinely check for salt sensitivity, you may not know if you're one of those unlucky few with high blood pressure risks. To play it safe, everyone should be cutting back the salt in their diet and making a few other healthy tweaks.